Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Administration And Signage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Vienna BAR approves park improvements and a string of sign applications; guidelines work session planned
Summary
The Board of Architectural Review approved exterior modifications at Salisbury Spring Park and granted sign approvals for several businesses and institutions (church, tailoring shop, bakery, ice cream shop). The board attached conditions on materials and sign wording and asked staff to prepare illustrative sign guidance for businesses.
At its May 21 meeting the Vienna Board of Architectural Review approved a set of routine development applications and sign designs across town while attaching technical conditions where appropriate.
Key approvals and outcomes - Salisbury Spring Park (PFD‑2151939‑BAR): Approved arbors, bridge, 10x12 shed, engineered‑wood mulch and a new park sign; the board required spec sheets for the arbor, bridge and shed to be filed with staff and disallowed signage that claims ADA accessibility. Motion carried by voice vote. - Updated church sign (541 Marshall Rd SW, PFD‑2044292‑BAR): Approved as submitted in the darker “nearly brown” color after discussion of readability vs. aesthetic fit. - Modalika (Madalika) custom tailoring (145 Church St NW, PFD‑2132087‑BAR): Approved mounting location and two gooseneck lights with conditions specifying vertical placement relative to brick soldier course and light centering. - Bakeshop Vienna (421 Maple Ave E, Dash‑2142888‑BAR): Approved two wall signs and the tenant panel; the board required the secondary “bakery and cafe” panel to be in title case with consistent kerning and the ampersand centered so it reads as a subservient secondary panel. - Whistler's Ice Cream (521 Maple Ave W, PFD‑2112178‑BAR): Approved the proposed box sign in the shopping‑center color palette; staff confirmed applicant already had occupancy. - Walkway/canopy (132 Branch Rd SE, Dash‑1884023‑BAR): Approved a narrow canopy over the service walkway between two walk‑in coolers after discussion about slope, guttering and flashing; staff and applicant will confirm construction details.
Why it matters: Most approvals were routine permit matters for signage and small‑scale site work, but the board used conditions to record material specifications and to limit claims on signage (for example, signage claiming ADA accessibility at Salisbury Spring Park). The meeting also included a substantial conversation about producing clearer sign guidance for local businesses and a preview of a staff‑led work session on cellular facility review standards.
Next steps: Applicants will provide the requested technical/spec details to staff; the BAR requested that staff prepare illustrative sign guidelines and plans for a future work session on signage and cellular facilities.
